Discover Bow: Forests, Water and History

Bow combines extensive town forests with wetlands, nature trails, and Turee Pond, which is often visited for its sunsets and walks. The Bow Bog Meeting House adds a touch of history. This offers different themes to shape your vacation plans: forest areas, bodies of water, and historic sites.

Forest Areas with Distinctive Character

Bow has more than 1,000 acres of town forest. Hammond Nature Preserve is a 143-acre forest. It includes Paul's Falls and the site of a former sawmill. This nature area therefore brings together a landscape feature and a reminder of past use.

Knox Forest covers 318 acres and borders the 105-acre School Forest. Knox Forest also includes a watershed, vernal pools, and wetlands. Vernal pools are seasonal ponds; together with the wetlands, they illustrate the different forms of water and moisture found in this forest area.

Parking for Knox Forest is available on Robinson Road and Knox Road. Parking for Nottingcook Forest is available on Woodhill Hooksett Road and South Bow Road. Check local access information before setting out.

Trails and Landscape in Nottingcook Forest

In Nottingcook Forest, swamps, a few streams, and a reclaimed gravel pit are among the landscape features. Kettle Hold, a glacial formation, is another. This variety sets the area apart from a forest described solely by its size: both wetlands and a glacier-shaped formation are part of the overall landscape.

The trails in Nottingcook Forest are mainly used for hiking, walking, and nature outings. They are accessible year-round; check trail conditions locally before visiting. For vacation planning centered on activities, the area offers a clear focus on trails and nature experiences.

Sunsets and Walks at Turee Pond

Turee Pond offers a different focus from the forest areas: it is often visited for its sunsets and nature walks. When planning your day, you can choose between trails through a forest and a visit with views of the pond. There is also a boat ramp at Turee Pond, managed by NH Fish and Game. If you plan to launch a boat, check local conditions at the ramp beforehand.

Bow Bog Meeting House and Local History

The historic Bow Bog Meeting House was built in 1835 and restored in 2011. These two dates mark separate milestones in its history: its construction and a later restoration. A map created by the Heritage Commission can help you find historic sites in Bow; the map is dated 2022. This lets you make local history a distinct focus of your trip alongside the natural areas.

When looking for a vacation rental, the places you want to visit can guide your choice of location. The parking locations listed for the forest areas provide specific reference points. Also compare your accommodation’s location with the other places you plan to visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Andover, Bradford, Pembroke, Warner, Wilmot, Sutton, Newbury, Loudon

For the main travel overview: Merrimack County.